Things In My House Thursday

This cute key:

Will operate Christopher's new car:

It is very exciting, for all of us, even though the whole decision goes against good Dave Ramsey money managing, but there were mitigating circumstances. We took advantage of the Cash-for-Clunkers deal, along with dealer incentives and other opportunities.

His trade-in was a 22 year old GMC Jimmy that got around 13 - 14 mpg; it had no air conditioning, it leaked inside when it rained, and had countless little quirks that meant only someone that 'knew' it could drive it. On the other hand, it was truly the perfect teenage boy starter car. The engine had been replaced several years ago, and it had been running 'well' until recently. Then it just needed more time and tweaking, but my husband was getting tired of and running out of occasions to work on it.

Now, having said that, the government clunker deal is sad.

The dealership is rebated the $4500 trade-in it allows us, and then it has to destroy the vehicle. They have to drain the engine of oil, and replace it with some kind of destructive chemical, then run the engine at 2000 rpm until it's all over.

That may not sound so bad regarding the Jimmy, although it sounds like murder to us, but even the dealer / salesmen were dismayed by all the very good cars they were going to have to destroy. Cars that got the same gas mileage as most new trucks or close to some sedans; cars that had relatively low mileage, cars that would be great for people that just couldn't afford anything else.

Well, other than that part, we are so happy with the purchase for many reasons, Christopher most of all, of course.

Unrelated, I wanted to share my green green green green beautiful grass with everyone. I doubt your monitor can do it justice (my doesn't), but the lawn is just spectacularly lush and dark green and splendid this morning. Please use your imagination, take off your shoes, and enjoy! It's wonderful!!

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Don't we all want to see what each other has? :)

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Things In My House Thursday

>> Thursday, July 23, 2009

This Wooden Plaque:

I stand by this sentiment 100%.

Share something from your house!!

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(Don't know why Mr. Linky wasn't working properly last week; I had added it. Hope Blogger/Linky is up to speed today.)

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Beautiful Weather for Interactive Farm Animals...

>> Wednesday, July 22, 2009

I know, if I can come up with titles like that I should be working for the newspaper.

Yesterday the weather here was bizarre - mid-morning it was only 68 degrees and breezy and cool. The kind of day that made you feel obligated to go outside and do something.

There was a threat of rain, but me and Jessica and Charlotte and Mary headed out to some friends' property in a neighboring county to visit their animals. The humans weren't home, but we know the 'pets'.

Jim, Joe, and Jack are the horses and the donkey. This is Joe, very excited to see us and running straight towards us - stopping inches from our faces.

Jim is a little shyer, but he is still going to greet you and stick close by.

Jack really only cares about being on the same side of the fence as us, in case there are treats being offered.

Next, stopped by the cows and were welcomed with a hearty moo-hello.

Even the goat wanted to talk to us.

NOW, the story changes. Usually our friend Ginger has GooseGoose fenced up somewhere on her property, but for some reason, he was out and about, unbeknownst to us. That is a very, very scary thing if you know GooseGoose. He is as mean as any animal I've EVER known, and completely frightening because he is fast and fearless. I've seen him sneak up behind Ginger, who was standing too close to his fence, and he poked his head through, grabbed a huge chunk of her thigh with his beak, and started twisting furiously.

You may wonder why he is ALIVE, a question I asked, but Ginger unofficially runs an animal sanctuary, and many homeless, abused, lost, neglected animals end up with her. She cares for and tolerates them all. I personally understand and admire that, except when it comes to GooseGoose....

Looks harmless I know; that's because I wasn't exactly taking pics when he chased Jessica up onto the porch and turned to come after me .

Fortunately, Jessica found some croquet mallets on the porch, and we all grabbed one. We also had brought and umbrella, and we armed ourselves with that as well.

It was stressful AND comical trying to get in the car; Jessica held the open umbrella like a shield, and I provided back-up with a mallet so Mary and Charlotte could get in. Once I slipped in the driver's seat, Jessica scrambled into her side and slammed the door ahead of GooseGoose.

All pretty traumatic, but we consoled ourselves with a TacoBell car-picnic.

And we were home before the rain came pouring down, just in time for napping. :)

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Things In My House Thursday

>> Thursday, July 16, 2009

Hand Mannequin

This was among my Grandmother's things, and I haven't a clue where she got it. I'm guessing that it was used for measuring gloves?

It's tall (13 inches) and sturdy, and I just found it interesting enough to hang on to.

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Things In My House Thursday

>> Thursday, July 9, 2009

If you didn't know before, you will now - Mary sells Avon. And I am her best customer.

So, last order I bought this inflatable foot soaking tub and some exfoliating products.

Once inflated, my first thoughts were about what a perfect swimming pool it would make for Barbie, but then I got down to the business of a foot soak.

It was so relaxing! I'm hooked.

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Happy Birthday America!!

>> Saturday, July 4, 2009

We celebrated this past Sunday at our church's Starlight Spectacular.

Food, friends, family, fantastic fireworks.

The music was outstanding - our church orchestra and Big Daddy Weave.

Dancing to the very popular VBS music:

Big Daddy Weave:

Finale:

Today we'll celebrate my husband's birthday; cookout with family and friends.

We're all mostly looking forward to Mary's special desserts!! :)

"It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor."

George Washington:

Commander-in-Chief in the American Revolution,

Signer of the Constitution,

First President of the United States

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News From the Past

>> Friday, July 3, 2009

125 years ago: 1884

A horse hitched to a delivery wagon in the alley near Main and Gayoso ran away yesterday. In his mad race he leaped over a lumber pile thereby ending all connection between himself and the vehicle he was pulling. He ran for several more blocks and then apparently discovered that he had left the wagon behind, he turned, walked back to it, waited to be hitched again and then calmly went off gentle as a kitten.

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Things In My House Thursday

>> Thursday, July 2, 2009

This week's TIMHT is something in my house - on loan. My aunt sent it home with me after I admired it in her house; her daughter-in-law made it and she thought that maybe Mary or Jessica would like to 'study' it and see if they could duplicate the project.

This colorful hanging is 'roosters' divided by beads. I think my cousin-in-law did an incredible job choosing fabric, trim, and beads.

Two little cow bells dangle from the bottom - a finishing touch that Charlotte enjoys :)

I hope you'll join TIMHT - - - and accept my apology for not visiting last week's participants or any of my favorite blogs! Summer and life are so distracting; but I'm looking forward to catching up on my reader's blogs!!

Thanks for your patience :)

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